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Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

Applied Behaviour Analysis has been defined as ‘the science in which procedures derived from the principles of behaviour are systematically applied to improve socially significant behaviour to a meaningful degree and to demonstrate empirically the procedures employed were responsible for that improvement’(Cooper, Heron & Heward, 1987, p. 14)

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) is the application of behavioural principles to human behaviour, and focuses on changing socially significant behaviour in meaningful ways. It is a set of principles on which educational programs for learners are based. It is not a set curriculum, although there are curricula available based on a behaviour analytic approach.

Applied Behaviour Analysis based programs have been in use in special education, and in the education of children who have autism spectrum disorders in particular, since the 1960’s. These approaches include but are not limited to:

  • Intensive Behavioural Intervention
  • Discrete Trial Instruction
  • Natural Environment Training
  • The UCLA model
  • Applied Verbal Behaviour
  • Functional Assessment of Behaviour
  • Positive Behaviour Support
  • Pivotal Response Treatment

eLearning Lessons
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Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) Part 2: Turn-Taking
length: 
7 minutes

Barbara Porco (POPARD Education and Behaviour Consultant), Erin Yorke (POPARD Education and Behaviour Consultant), and Diana Wilk (Langley School District Coordinator - ASD) discuss the second of two lessons on Discrete Trial Teaching. This lesson features a kindergarten student learning turn-taking/social interaction through a Joint Activity Routine with a peer.

Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) Part 1: Matching Tasks
length: 
10 minutes

Barbara Porco (POPARD Education and Behaviour Consultant), Erin Yorke (POPARD Education and Behaviour Consultant), and Diana Wilk (Langley School District Coordinator - ASD) discuss the first of two lessons on Discrete Trial Teaching. This lesson features a kindergarten student learning matching skills through the five steps of discrete trial.

Introduction to Task Analysis
length: 
12 minutes

Erin Yorke (POPARD Education & Behaviour Consultant) discusses Task Analysis as an effective technique to use with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). She reviews what is a task analysis, types of task analysis, why to use a task analysis, and how to design a task analysis.

Scatterplot Data Collection
length: 
6 minutes

Kelly MacGregor (POPARD Education and Behaviour Consultant) presents an overview of the scatterplot data collection technique.

Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)
length: 
12 minutes

Lindi Rae (POPARD Education and Behaviour Consultant) discusses the principles of learning and that all behaviour is learned. Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), including specific examples of antecedents, behaviour, and consequences, are examined.